Mark Barron was named the Jim Thorpe Defensive Back of the Week on Wednesday

Sept. 14, 2011

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -
The football team held a two-hour session on Wednesday at the Thomas-Drew Practice Fields as it continued to prepare for its upcoming game against North Texas. The Crimson Tide and Mean Green will face off on Saturday, September 17, at 6:38 p.m. CT in Bryant-Denny Stadium.

"What we have tried to emphasize this week is getting better as a team," Alabama head coach Nick Saban said. "We need to eliminate some of the issues and problems and things that definitely need correcting. I think the players have worked hard this week to try and do that. The most important thing is creating good habits in the way you practice. There is no switch to turn on when the game comes. That is really important."

Earlier in the day, senior safety Mark Barron was named the Jim Thorpe Defensive Back of the Week following his performance in Alabama's 27-11 win at Penn State. Barron accumulated seven total tackles in addition to an interception and fumble recovery. He was also named the Southeastern Conference Defensive Player of the Week on Monday for his efforts versus the Nittany Lions.

Saturday's game will air on Fox Sports South. Bob Rathbun will serve as the play-by-play announcer, with Tim Couch at his side as the color analyst. The two will be joined by sideline reporter Kristina Akra.